Wells Fargo donates $350,000 to Clemson diversity programs

CLEMSON — Wells Fargo has boosted Clemson University’s Call Me MISTER and Emerging Scholars education programs with gifts of $200,000 and $150,000, respectively. The money will provide scholarships for young men in the MISTER program and fund six students throughout their Emerging Scholars experience.

“Wells Fargo fully believes that supporting education is one of the most important investments we can make in our country’s future,” said Wells Fargo Regional President for South Carolina Kathy Heffley.

Representatives from Wells Fargo pose with students during Wells Fargo Day at Clemson University. Image Credit: Wells Fargo

“Today’s young people are tomorrow’s business owners, leaders and teachers, and we are proud to support Clemson University in their efforts to provide students with opportunities through significant diversity initiatives like the Emerging Scholars and Call Me MISTER programs,” she said.

Call Me MISTER (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) was established to increase the number of diverse teachers in South Carolina. The program provides tuition assistance for its students in teacher education at participating colleges, an academic support system to help assure the graduates’ success and social and cultural support.

“The Wells Fargo gift sends a clear message from our corporate neighbor that they believe in Call Me MISTER’s mission to produce a diverse workforce of educators for our state,” said Call Me MISTER Director Roy Jones. “Their support helps us fill a gap in recruiting and developing excellent prospective teachers committed to giving a high-quality education to our public schools and communities.”

The Emerging Scholars program provides high school students in economically challenged counties in South Carolina the knowledge and skills to succeed in college. All of the Emerging Scholars students — more than 500 to date — have graduated from high school, with 90 percent going on to attend college or join the military.

Wells Fargo Regional President for South Carolina Kathy Heffley shares a laugh with some Clemson University students during Wells Fargo Day at the school. Image Credit: Wells FargoImage Credit: Wells Fargo

“Wells Fargo’s most recent gift to the Emerging Scholars program demonstrates how much they care about education in the state of South Carolina,” said Amber Lange, site director of the Emerging Scholars program. “For a decade now, they have been helping us show our students and their parents the opportunities they have through higher education. They are officially a part of #TeamES.”

Since 2008, Wells Fargo has given a total of $1.36 million to Call Me MISTER and $600,000 to Emerging Scholars. As a longtime supporter of the university, Wells Fargo has donated more than $3.1 million to Clemson since 1991.

These current gifts are part of Clemson University’s $1 billion The Will to Lead capital campaign to support faculty and students with scholarships, professorships, facilities and technology.